Instructor Class Description

Construction and Culture

Study of the evolution of modern building construction with emphasis on the relationship between the projects that have been built over time and the people who built them. Focuses on the development of building technology, equipment, and materials used by Western civilizations. Offered: W.

Class description

Somewhat from the Catalog: Study of the evolution of modern building construction with emphasis on the relationship between the projects that have been built over time and the people who built them. This course focuses on the development of building technology, equipment, and materials used by Western civilizations, and how those developments affect what we build today in the United States.

Student learning goals

Appreciation for the traditions of building construction and
the builders those of us in the industry are proud to work with.

Relate what was done in the past, with respect to materials,
labor, contracts, style, and equipment to what we do today.

Influences of past and current culture, religion, politics,
technology and economics on the built environment.

General method of instruction

CM 250 is based on lecture to be lead by instructors and guest speakers. Students are expected to actively participate in class discussions. Outside course time will be necessary for various “fresh air assignments” and also visit a historic structure and perform the necessary research to successfully complete the course-long research paper assignment.

Recommended preparation

Class assignments and grading

There will be two mid term quizzes and one final examination in this course. Refer to the attached schedule. Cell-phones will be turned off during tests (as in all classes) and cannot be used as calculators. A short (3 page) research paper will be required towards the end of the quarter. See attached schedule. Each student will independently choose a local historical building (there are several in down town Seattle and on the University campus) and research its “Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How.” A very short, but professionally formatted research paper, including proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation will be expected. A full description of the requirements of this paper will be distributed later in the quarter.

Grades will be computed by accumulation of total points based on the following schedule: 2 Mid Term Quizzes at 50 points per each, 1 Individual Historic Building Paper worth 50 points, and 1 Final examination worth 100 points for a total of 250 points. The CM department grading scale will be used and will be presented on the first day of the quarter.

The information above is intended to be helpful in choosing courses. Because the instructor may further develop his/her plans for this course, its characteristics are subject to change without notice. In most cases, the official course syllabus will be distributed on the first day of class.
Last Update by Arnold L. Holm
Date: 10/25/2011

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Modified:April 23, 2014